Handcrafted İznik Ceramic Tile Panel
“The Timeless Memory of Istanbul”
About the Project:
The Republic of Türkiye has made a meaningful contribution to the newly constructed CICA Headquarters by donating a handcrafted İznik ceramic tile panel entitled “The Timeless Memory of Istanbul: The Historic Peninsula, Galata, and the Maiden’s Tower.”
This contribution underscores Türkiye’s deep appreciation for the role of culture in fostering mutual understanding and regional cooperation, as well as its commitment to preserving and sharing its rich cultural heritage with the broader Asian community.
A Tribute to the Timeless Art of handmade İznik ceramic (çini) panels
The ceramic panel contributed by the Republic of Türkiye to the CICA Headquarters is a reflection of a millennium-old artistic tradition rooted in the cultural heritage of the Turkish world. The art of tile-making, which first flourished under the Islamic Turkish state of the Karakhanids, was refined through the Seljuk and Ottoman eras, adorning mosques, madrasas, palaces, and tombs with intricate motifs and vivid colors. Particularly during the Ottoman “Classical Period,” under the patronage of renowned architects and artists, tilework reached its zenith with the development of the underglaze technique and the iconic İznik ceramics. Characterized by stylized floral designs, geometric patterns, and calligraphic elements, these works often featured vibrant hues of blue, turquoise, red, and green. Despite periods of decline due to historical disruptions, the tradition was revived in the 20th century by dedicated artisans in İznik, who reignited the artistic fire and carried the legacy forward. Today, this enduring art form continues to bridge the past and present, bringing timeless beauty and cultural depth to modern architectural spaces, such as the CICA Headquarters.
Style and Concept: “The Timeless Memory of Istanbul: The Historic Peninsula, Galata, and the Maiden’s Tower”
The two areas in which one can most vividly experience Istanbul’s historical and cultural texture are undoubtedly the Historic Peninsula and Galata. With a history spanning thousands of years, these two districts were central to the city during both the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. Today, they remain foundational to Istanbul’s identity.
The Historic Peninsula, surrounded by the Golden Horn, the Sea of Marmara, and the Bosphorus, forms the core of old Istanbul. Sultanahmet Square, located in this area, resembles an open-air museum. Hagia Sophia, standing for over 1500 years in all its splendor, is revered as a sacred site by both the Christian and Islamic worlds. Facing it, the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque) rises as one of the most elegant examples of Ottoman architecture. Topkapi Palace, where the Ottoman sultans lived and governed for centuries, is a symbol of imperial grandeur. The Grand Bazaar, also in this area, has been a vibrant labyrinth of trade for over 500 years.
Across the Golden Horn, atop the hills of Galata, visitors encounter a different face of the city. Built by the Genoese, the Galata Tower reflects the area’s historical significance and today serves as a popular spot for panoramic views of Istanbul. Galata gained particular prominence during the late Ottoman era as a residential hub for non-Muslim communities and Levantines. With its European-influenced architecture, narrow streets, and art galleries, the district has become one of modern Istanbul’s cultural and artistic centers. Along the street stretching from Karaköy to Tünel, the cafés, boutique shops, and music venues keep Galata vibrant and alive.
The Historic Peninsula and Galata are not just stone and earth — they are vessels of memory flowing through time. These two ancient quarters not only shape Istanbul’s past but continue to define its present and future.
At the point where the Bosphorus meets the Sea of Marmara, on a small islet near the Üsküdar shore, stands the Maiden’s Tower — one of the city’s most romantic and enigmatic landmarks. Dating back to Antiquity, the tower has served various purposes over the centuries, from a lighthouse and a watchtower to a quarantine station. With legends surrounding it — particularly tales of a cursed princess and tragic love stories — the Maiden’s Tower has earned a special place in popular lore. Today, it operates as both a restaurant and a museum, attracting both local and international visitors.
In a handmade İznik ceramic (çini) panel designed by the Anikya İznik Tile design team, the panoramic view of the Bosphorus is reinterpreted through the principles of miniature and tile art. The piece is executed entirely by traditional methods on a quartz-rich ceramic body, using the underglaze technique.
Donors, Designers, and Manufacturers
This project is implemented by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye and on behalf of the people of Türkiye. The panel was custom-made by the renowned company Anikya İznik Çini, preserving the centuries-old tradition of İznik craftsmanship.
